ESCCOM’s ITAs set to inject plurality into local airwaves

MBABANE – The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has unlocked a new chapter with the official publication of its invitations to apply (ITAs) for new broadcasting licences.

 This move, a direct and crucial implementation, signals a notable shift away from the historically limited media environment toward a diverse, competitive and public-focused sector.

The newly-published ITAs are set to deliver a much-needed injection of plurality to local public discourse. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini, the commission has framed this development not just as a regulatory exercise, but as a national opportunity to enrich cultural, social and economic life.

“The commission is committed to handling this process with absolute transparency, fairness and unwavering integrity. Let us embrace this moment as a national opportunity a chance to reimagine and rebuild the future of broadcasting in Eswatini,” he said. The ESCCOM announced this development on their Facebook page stating: “We are thrilled to announce the official publication of the Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for four exciting categories of Commercial and Community Broadcasting Licences! This landmark decision is set to invigorate our nation’s communication landscape,” the post quotes.

The four categories open  for application include, Community Radio Broadcasting Services, Community Television Broadcasting Services, Free-To-Air Commercial Radio Broadcasting Services and Free-To-Air Commercial Television Broadcasting Services.

This initiative is designed to achieve key national goals:

• Content diversity: Ensuring richer, more varied content for all audiences.
• Market broadening: Fostering robust competition and innovation.
• Community empowerment: Strengthening local voices and content creation.
• Socio-economic growth: Supporting job creation and skills development.

The allocation of four new Community Radio licences, one for each of the country’s four regions, is designed to ensure that  local content creators finally gain meaningful access to the airwaves.